Southern California expecting heavy rainfall throughout next week
Meteorologists are issuing a weather alert for Southern California as an atmospheric river event is poised to bring a week-long series of storms, starting this Sunday. The National Weather Service predicts the first, milder storm to arrive on Sunday, bringing light rain to the Central Coast and Ventura County through Monday. Initially, Los Angeles County is expected to experience minimal rainfall.
According to KTLA 5 weather anchor Kaj Goldberg, the atmospheric river will intensify on Wednesday, ushering in a more substantial wave of energy and significantly increasing the chances of measurable rainfall and potential thunderstorms across Southern California.
The anticipated rainfall totals for Monday through Saturday are as follows:
• Coasts/Basin: 1.00” to 2.50”
• Valleys/Foothills: 2.00” – 3.50”
• Mountains: 3.00” – 4.00″
Goldberg warns of the potential for localized street flooding due to the increased rainfall. The snow levels along the atmospheric river are expected to remain very high, generally above 7,000 feet, according to the National Weather Service.
Residents across coastal areas, the Los Angeles Basin, and the Inland Empire are advised to be on storm watch from Monday through next Saturday. Clearing skies and drying conditions are expected after the week-long weather event concludes.
In addition to the wet weather, the winter temperature outlook for Southern California presents an anomaly. More than half of the states are likely to experience a warmer-than-average season, diverging from traditional wintry expectations.
The climatic conditions are intricately tied to the Pacific Ocean’s sea surface temperatures, influencing whether the region is in a La Niña, El Niño, or neutral year. These variations impact the position of the jet stream, subsequently influencing the observed weather patterns on land.
As Southern California prepares for a week of rain and potential flooding, residents are urged to stay informed about evolving weather conditions and take necessary precautions. The unusual winter temperature outlook adds an additional layer of complexity to the region’s climatic scenario.